EDITORS NOTE: This is our featured story of the day, and it will remain on the front page all day.
Thanks to the kindness of people here in the area, throughout the country, and around the world, Schoep has been getting the best care possible. Please keep those donations coming. At the end of this post will be information about how to donate/help.
The first thing on everybody’s mind I’m sure… How is Schoep doing?
He’s doing well! He’s improving and feeling better!
From the Duluth News Tribune:
‘Absolutely improved’
Among people to greet them is Hannah Hudson, the photographer whose image almost five weeks ago of Unger holding a sleeping Schoep in Lake Superior sparked an online frenzy that seems to have touched thousands of lives and changed the lives of the major participants — including Schoep.
The dog has rallied considerably since donations came in that paid for laser treatments and two medications at Bay Area Animal Hospital in Ashland, Unger said.
“His range of movement is absolutely improved,” Unger said. “He’s holding his head high again. He’s excited to go for walks again, especially to go swimming. I’ll say, ‘Wanna go to the lake?’ And he’s: ‘Yes.’”
Schoep’s energy and movement have returned to where they were about a year-and-a-half ago, when Unger first noticed signs of deterioration, he said.
Hudson has seen the difference. “Schoep is definitely perkier, more responsive,” she said.
Dr. Sarah Myers, a veterinarian at Bay Area Animal Hospital, confirmed that there has been some improvement.
“I can definitely tell he’s got a little bit more bounce in his step,” she said. “He’s got a little more of a comfortable gait.”
Joint problems are common for German shepherds and related breeds, Myers said. But the typical life span of such dogs is 10 to 12 years, not 19. And outside of arthritis, Schoep still is basically in good health.
Once again, you can read the complete story in the Duluth News Tribune.
HOW TO HELP
People wishing to donate money to help pay for treatment for Schoep may call the Bay Area Animal Hospital, Ashland, Wis., at (715) 682-8865. Credit cards are accepted. Or you can send a check to Bay Area Animal Hospital, 3601 E. Highway 2, Ashland, WI 54806. Simply write “Schoep” in the memo line.
Prints of Hannah Hudson’s photo of John Unger and Schoep are available at: http://johnschoep.zenfolio.com.
Additional information and frequent updates are available at the “Schoep and John” page on Facebook.